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Imps v Everton U21s

Cowley gave some of his fringe players a run-out that night and will make changes again for the visit of the young Toffees.

However, given Lincoln’s small squad, a strong Imps will still take to the field. Cowley has confirmed he is looking to give 16-year-old midfielder Ellis Chapman a run-out. If the youngster does play some part, he will become one of the youngest players in the club's history.

Everton need a positive result after losing their opening group fixture 2-0 at Notts County.

New signing, winger Cameron Stewart, was named in the squad after signing for the Imps earlier today. The former Manchester United youngster has been training with the Imps for the last few weeks having had a lengthy spell out of the game.

Academy midfielder Ellis Chapman, who is just 16, was also in the squad and is expected to make his senior debut at some stage.

The Imps’ much-changed team needed just two minutes to take the lead. Palmer started the move with lovely ball into the path of the pacey Josh Ginnelly, who looked destined to score. His shot struck the far post but rebounded invitingly for Maguire-Drew, who fired into the net first time.

Soon after another good move, this time initiated by Maguire-Drew, ended with Billy Knott firing high and wide with his weaker right foot.

Another Imps raid, on 17 minutes, saw some excellent hold-up play from Palmer, who laid the ball back to Knott and his dangerous first-time cross was headed well over the bar by Elliott Whitehouse.

Lincoln deservedly doubled their lead midway through the first half. After Whitehouse was caught in the head by a high boot, the home side were awarded a free-kick in a very good position.

There were several candidates to take the set-piece with Habergham and Knott both showing an interest, but it was Maguire-Drew who stepped up, beautifully bending the ball over the wall and into the net, giving keeper Mateussz Hewelt no chance.

On 27 minutes, Harry Charsley fired wide of the far post with Everton’s first meaningful effort on goal. It was a rare moment of promise for the Goodison Park youngsters, who were being outplayed and out-fought by the Imps.

But there was a nervy moment for the Imps two minutes before the break when Waterfall’s under-hit back-pass almost let in Charsley but Farman sensed the danger, raced off his line and thumped the ball clear.

Bassala then fired high over the bar as the visitors showed signs of promise in the final stages of the half.

20:31

Half-time

Imps 2-0 Everton - a deserved lead for City

Imps 2-0 Everton

43 mins

An under-hit back-pass from Waterfall almost lets in Charsley but Farman reacted quickly, raced off his line and hammered the ball clear. In Everton’s next raid, Sambou fired high over the bar

Imps 2-0 Everton

40 mins

It’s now tipping it down!

Imps 2-0 Everton

36 mins

A cross from Everton’s Garbutt, flies out of play, out of the ground, over the Stacey West Stand and into the car park! Goal-kick

Imps 2-0 Everton

35 mins

Shouts for an Everton penalty as Sambou goes down in the box. It would have been very, very soft